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Vacationers are inclined to affiliate Fukushima (to the extent that they perceive a single factor about it) with the coast. Specifically, a tsunami-ravaged coast with spent nuclear gas leaking into it.
This isn’t truthful for quite a lot of causes, amongst them the truth that most of Fukushima has negligible background radiation ranges nowadays. It’s additionally extremely inaccurate: Most of the greatest locations to go to in Fukushima aren’t excessive up within the mountains, hours away from the ocean. Aizu-Wakamatsu is one in all them.
And, is Aizu-Wakamatsu value visiting? Properly, I’ve written this text, so I believe you may most likely guess the reply. Then once more, this place (by no means thoughts all of the issues to do in Aizu-Wakamatsu) is extra complicated than a sure/no query.
Aizu-Wakamatsu is Fukushima’s Best First Vacation spot
The benefit of having fun with your self is likely one of the issues that the majority makes Aizu-Wakamatsu value visiting. Like so a lot of Japan’s nice vacationer locations, you may get pleasure from a number of wonderful points of interest inside a manageable stroll of the practice station, and now have many meals choices as nicely. That is in distinction to different locations in Fukushima, a lot of that are to this point aside from each other that you actually need a automotive.
Now, with this being mentioned, Aizu-Wakamatsu shouldn’t be as straightforward to succeed in as cities like Fukushima Metropolis and Koriyama, as these are each instantly alongside the Shinkansen. Against this, with a view to attain Aizu-Wakamatsu, you want to trip an area practice alongside the JR Ban-etsu Line when you get off the bullet practice. Or, should you’re coming from Niigata, you may trip a bus as a substitute. Fortunately, it’s not costly in both case—you gained’t have to play rainbow riches slot with a view to afford your ticket!
What to Do in Aizu-Wakamatsu
Discover the grounds of Tsuruga Fortress
As is the case for all however 12 of the buildings in Japan, Aizu-Wakamatsu’s Tsuruga Fortress shouldn’t be amongst Japan’s unique castles. Nonetheless, it’s distinctive, on account of its orange-red roof, to say nothing of how lovely Mt. Bandai seems to be rising over it on a transparent day. Tsuruga-jo is especially beautiful amid the autumn colours and cherry blossoms of spring, however is gorgeous in any season.
Get dizzy at Sazae-do
One other important addition to your Aizu-Wakamatsu itinerary is Sazae-do, a singular octagon-shaped temple that you would be able to go inside and climb up. I’ll be trustworthy that it may be a bit intimidating. After you end her, be certain to benefit from the view of the city, with snow-capped mountains rising behind it in all however the very hottest elements of the summer time.
Get pleasure from a meal of sauce katsu
Fukushima is usually a foodie paradise, however Aizu itself is among the many greatest locations to eat a very satisfying dish. I’m speaking, after all, about “sauce katsu.” As its identify suggests, this dish smothers tonkatsu pork cutlets in a savory, candy sauce, one which’s not totally un-reminiscent of misokatsu in Nagoya. The small restaurant on the Igarashi Vacationer Middle simply throughout from Sazae-do is a good place to get pleasure from it.
Take a day journey to Ouchi-juku
Past the issues to do in Aizu-Wakamatsu itself, there’s lots to discover on the outskirts. The Ouchi-juku outdated avenue is one in all my favorites, particularly in autumn. Do remember that getting right here could be cumbersome, at the least until you’re snug renting a automotive. You’ll have to trip an area JR Ban-etsu Line practice to Yunokami Onsen, after which get a bus from there.
(Or alongside the Bandai-Azuma Skyline)
Talking of Fukushima in autumn, the “five-colored” Goshiki-numa ponds alongside the scenic Bandai-Azuma Skyline are particularly beautiful when the leaves round them are orange and pink. The remainder of the highway is beautiful anytime of 12 months, whether or not you trip a swan boat on huge Lake Inawashiro, or achieve some altitude on numerous mountaineering trails.
How Lengthy Do You Want in Aizu-Wakamatsu?
Aizu-Wakamatsu itself isn’t large. In truth, should you merely needed to discover locations throughout the city heart, you may come on a day journey. That is particularly doable you probably have a automotive, which saves you from having to deal with the gradual speeds and not-so-frequent departures of the JR Ban-etsu Line. However to be trustworthy, you may nonetheless do a day journey, even when you must depend upon the practice.
Now, should you plan to make use of Aizu as a base slightly than as an end-all, be-all, the dialogue about what number of days in Aizu-Wakamatsu you want adjustments. You’ll most likely wish to spend an additional day visiting Ouchi-juku, significantly should you’re relying upon public transportation to get there. Likewise, the Bandai-Azuma Skyline requires a full day for most individuals.
Different FAQ About Visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu
How lengthy to spend in Ouchi-juku?
Ouchi-juku is successfully only one avenue. Whether or not you sit down for soba noodles or get pleasure from a view of city by way of a body of colourful autumn leaves, you don’t want longer than half a day there. Then again, it can take a while to get there and again, so preserve that in thoughts.
How do I get to Ouchi-juku from Tokyo?
Attending to Ouchi-juku from Tokyo is sophisticated—should you go totally by public transportation, you’ll possible have to spend the night time in both Aizu or Koriyama. From Aizu, you want to trip the JR Ban-Etsu Line to Yunokami Onsen Station, and a Saruyu-go Bus from there.
Is Aizu-Wakamatsu protected?
Aizu-Wakamatsu, like a lot of the remainder of Japan, has an especially excessive stage of non-public security, with just about no danger of violent and even petty crime. With regard to Fukushima’s much-hyped radiation, there’s completely none in Aizu, which has truly been the case even since days after the catastrophe.
The Backside Line
Your seek for issues to do in Aizu-Wakamatsu ends right this moment. Definitely, Aizu is among the many most gratifying locations in Fukushima prefecture, which is why so many vacationers make it their first cease on this a part of Japan. For some vacationers, points of interest within the heart of Aizu are lots attention-grabbing. These embrace red-roofed Tsuruga Fortress, and the unusual octagonal temple generally known as Sazae-do. Others will hire a automotive and discover extra deeply, be it to the Ouchi-juku outdated avenue, or to pure locations alongside the Bandai-Azuma Skyline highway. Need to be certain Fukushima-ken matches in completely with the remainder of your time in Japan? Rent me to plan a customized Japan itinerary right this moment!
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